We’ve had a nice weekend, with church on Saturday, a nice gathering on Sunday for the kids and today my son turns 9 years old – let’s not give up now on the sweets! Anyone else kids into Mario Brothers?! It’s the ‘it’ theme around here right now and I have to say, I’m not complaining. I loved Nintendo as a kid and that was my favorite game to play.

I love this Easter meme here, and I will add that arriving to church this time of year also means arriving at least one hour prior to find parking. And that waking up on the Monday after Easter Sunday is like waking up from a short sugar coma.

I can’t remember a time when my kids found what they were looking for after I told them exactly where they can find it. Because when it comes to finding things, everyone seems to be unable to find it, unless you place it on their hands. Yes, it’s that bad. Does this happen in your home with your spouse or kids?! Is finding things now considered an art or talent of some sort?!

The truth shall set you free – or so they say! The reality of it all is that no family is perfect. We either have outside noise, or the noise is coming from our own homes, seeking perfection is unrealistic. My family is far from it and this meme here is just a reminder of what we must keep in mind pre and post wedding.

As a stay at home mom, I frequently think about other moms that are in my position. It’s no secret that the stay at home parent doesn’t get enough credit. The day to day seems lost in translation to many, except the one living it. And often we need the reassurance, because as mothers – humans, we want to be seen and loved.

Whether you have Chiari Malformation + Syringomyelia or any other illness that physically impairs you from feeling your best, know that you are doing your very best. I often compare myself to the wrong people, to those that don’t have physical pain and not needing to be medicated for pain relief.

As for the stay at home parent living with chronic pain though, the day to day is different and is a tiny bit more challenging. And for me, the physical pain can cause me to have self-doubt, so today, to my chronic pain brothers and sisters, I want you to know, I hear you and see you.

I want to reassure you that you are enough.

Just in case you haven’t heard it today, you did good!

You did more cleaning than your body could handle. It’s OK, not to do more, your body will thank you later.

Yes, it’s OK, the rest can wait.

You folded the laundry that had been sitting in the basket for over a week – no judgment, you did it!

You cooked a meal with love, and that’s all your family could ask for.

You’re pushing through the pain with every step you take – you’re a warrior!

Don’t be hard on yourself, you’re 1 in 1,000 uniquely designed people and not everyone will understand – and that’s OK!

‘Tis the season for all things Christmas, and that time has begun! Well, if we’re going to be honest, that time of year begins a little early in my household. And here I’ll share with you what’s been on repeat in my home. There’s something so special about Christmas movies, the music, the cheer, that cozy feeling you get inside that get’s you so excited for what’s ahead. We watch them on Netflix and on Amazon Prime, and if you haven’t jumped on theRoku Streaming Sticktrain, you must – worth the investment!

We started this Fourth of July by planning some hearty meals – had homemade tacos for lunch and will be having hot dogs and chips for dinner. Because if all my little ones eat all their food – it’s a win in my book!

A couple fun facts for you to enjoy:

Americans spent over $1 billion on fireworks in 2017

and in 2017 Americans consumed about 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July!

I appreciate this photograph because of the Marines pictured. Thank you to all those serving and veterans, those past and present that have kept my family and I safe.